4479) “TOURISM - Aetolia-Acarnania, "Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία) of Greece: The Bank of Greece (BOG) has issued a set of Euro Coins minted by Bank of Greece (IETA – Νομισματοκοπείο): Date/Year of Coin issue: 13.05.2026:
The Greeks had an eventful and tumultuous history, littered with wars, foreign invasions and conquests, until they founded the modern Greek state in the 19th century. They managed to navigate these turbulent waters, maintain their language and survive as a nation over the millennia because they have always prized military valour, one of the cardinal virtues of a Greek across time. No wonder, Greek history is full of examples of heroism and glory.
Greek, and admittedly all of European, literature starts with Homer’s Iliad, an epic almost 16 thousand verses long that celebrates the “glorious deeds of heroes”.
The plot gets rolling with a quarrel between the Greek commander-in-chief in the Trojan War, Agamemnon, and his most formidable fighter, Achilles, who was raised on the precept “always to be the bravest and to surpass all others”. Achilles’ wrath is the first theme in our new series of gold coins dedicated to Homer’s Iliad.
The Wrath of Achilles:
Hercules, the greatest Greek hero, is the theme of a new series of collector silver coins dedicated to The labours of Hercules, to be issued in puzzle coin sets.
The Labours of Hercules:
The series starts with three coins that piece together to tell the story of the first three labours: the killing of the Nemean lion and the Lernaean Hydra and the capture of the Ceryneian hind.
Heinrich Schliemann, polyglot, millionaire, adventurer and visionary, made it the purpose of his life to prove that Homer’s world had indeed existed. One hundred and fifty years ago, after unearthing Troy, he began excavations at Mycenae. The most spectacular among his finds was the “Mask of Agamemnon”, as Schliemann named it, believing to have found the grave of the legendary king. This exquisite artifact is depicted on this year’s coin in our Cultural heritage series.
The Mask of Agamemnon:
The 1820s, the decade when the Greeks fought for and won their independence, abounds in acts of heroism, glory, and often sacrifice. An unparalleled example is the Exodus of Messolonghi, to which we dedicate both a silver collector and a 2-euro circulation coin to mark the bicentennial of the event.
Together we honour with a silver coin the Swiss philhellene Johann Jakob Meyer, father of Greek journalism, who was killed during the Exodus (Philhellenes series). Memories of the heroic last stand of the defenders of the Sacred City of Messolonghi haunt the region of Aetolia-Acarnania this year’s theme of our Tourism series.
200 Years from the Exodus of Messolonghi:
Tourism - Aetolia-Acarnania:
Ioannis Kapodistrias, who is portrayed on our most precious coin in this year’s programme, was a diplomat of international renown who helped the Greek Revolution in its vulnerable first phase and later made the first serious state-building effort as Governor of Greece.
Like every war, the Greek Revolution produced not only heroes, but also victims among the civilian population, including refugees.
To these people we turn ourattention with a silver coin dedicated to 200 hundred years from the naming of Hermoupolis. Built on the island of Syros by refugees from several places devastated by the Turks, the new city thrived thanks to commerce and industry, becoming the gem of the Cyclades.
Turning to our long-standing series, we are issuing silver coins that feature Aristarchos of Samos, the first proponent of the heliocentric theory (in the Mathematicians series), and the hydraulis of Ktesibios, the first ever keyboard instrument (in our Ancient Greek technology series).
Link to post on Aristarchos on this Blog:
Next in our Endangered fauna of Greece series is the Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri), the most threatened reptile species in Greece.
One of the best known animal fables is the Lion and the mouse, which features on this year’s coin in our Aesop’s fables series.
We are also launching a new series dedicated to the lighthouses of Greece, starting with the Tourlitis lighthouse of Andros.
The Tourlitis Lighthouse of Andros:
Finally, we celebrate important anniversaries by a silver coin commemorating 150 years from the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell and a 2-euro circulation coin to mark 100 years from the foundation of the Academy of Athens, guardian of the Greek language and culture.
I will keep on adding the links to my posts of the Greek Coinage this year to keep the visitors abreast with the stories.
TOURISM - AETOLIA-ACARNANIA REGION:
Aetolia-Acarnania is Greece’s largest regional unit, combining rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage in Western Central Greece.
Geography and Natural Features:
Aetolia-Acarnania is located in the Western part of Central Greece, bordered by the Ionian Sea to the west, the Gulf of Amvrakikos to the north, and neighboring regions including Arta, Evrytania, Phocis, and Karditsa.
The region is dominated by mountains such as the Acarnanian Mountains, Panaitoliko, Valtos, Makrynoros, Nafpaktia, Arakynthos, and Kravara. Major rivers include the Acheloos, Evinos, Ermitsa, Inachos, and Mornos, with the Acheloos forming a fertile delta.
Lakes include Trichonida (the largest natural lake in Greece), Amvrakia, Lysimachia, Ozeros, and artificial reservoirs like Kastraki and Kremasta.
Less than 20% of the land is flat, with the rest covered by mountains and valleys.
History:
The region combines the historical areas of Aetolia and Acarnania.
It became a prefecture after the Greek War of Independence in the late 1820s, initially including Evrytania, which separated in 1948.
Messolonghi, the capital, is historically significant for the heroic Exodus of the “Free Besieged” during the Greek War of Independence, inspiring poets like Dionysios Solomos and Lord Byron.
Ancient sites include Kalidon, Pleuron, and Anaktorion, reflecting the region’s long-standing historical importance.
Major Towns and Economy:
The capital is Messolonghi, while Agrinio serves as the largest city and economic centre.
Other notable towns include Nafpaktos, Astakos, Palairos, Mytikas, Vonitsa, and Aktion. The region’s economy is supported by agriculture, fishing, and tourism, with fertile valleys along the rivers and coastal areas providing resources and trade opportunities.
Culture and Tourism:
Aetolia-Acarnania offers a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions.
Key sites include the Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos, Nafpaktos Old Port, the Rion-Antirion Bridge, Lake Trichonida, and the Salt Museum. Messolonghi features the Exodus Gate, Garden of Heroes, and Town Hall with a notable picture gallery.
Monasteries such as Agios Simeon and Profitis Ilias provide spiritual and historical significance. Coastal areas like Astakos, Mitikas, Paleros, and Vonitsa offer beaches, fishing villages, and ferry connections to Cephalonia and Ithaca.
The region is ideal for hiking, exploring forests, and enjoying unspoiled beaches with fewer crowds.
Transportation:
Aetolia-Acarnania is connected to the Peloponnese via the Rio-Antirion Bridge, facilitating travel and commerce.
Roads such as GR-5 and GR-38 link major towns, while ferry services operate from ports like Astakos to nearby islands.
Aetolia-Acarnania thus combines mountainous landscapes, fertile plains, historical towns, and coastal beauty, making it a region of both cultural depth and natural splendor in Greece.
In terms of water resources, it is the richest in Greece and one of the best endowed in Europe, with the rivers Acheloos, Evinos and Mornos, several lakes including Trichonida, the largest in Greece, and, along the southern coastline, the Messolonghi and Aetoliko lagoons.
The Acheloos Delta, the Evinos estuary, the lakes and the two lagoons are protected sites of the Natura 2000 network.
Its geomorphology is complemented by mountains such as Panaetoliko, Arakynthos and the Acarnanians.
In antiquity, Aetolia-Acarnania flourished at the time of the Aetolian League.
In modern times, its history is marked by the heroic sacrifice of the "Defenders of the Sacred City of Messolonghi".
Today, Aetolia-Acarnania still relies on traditional agriculture (tobacco and cereals), livestock production, fisheries and salt works, while at the same time striving to tap its rich tourism potential (nature tourism, archaeological sites, agritourism).
The Coin Set:
The Cover of the Coin Album shows a picturesque lake resort. It also features the Emblem of Greece.
The Emblem of Greece, (or the Coat of Arms), features a white cross on a blue shield surrounded by two laurel branches, symbolising Christianity and victory. Its current form was officially adopted in 1975 after the establishment of the Third Hellenic Republic.
Design and Symbolism:
Shield: Blue background with a white cross, representing the Greek flag and the Christian faith.
Laurel branches: Traditionally green, but often depicted in monochrome blue for official use. Gold laurel leaves are used in military insignia and on the presidential standard.
Cross: Symbolises the role of Christianity in Greek identity and independence.
Coin Set Title: "TOURISM - AETOLIA-ACARNANIA"
Year of Issue: 2026
Mint: Bank of Greece (IETA – Νομισματοκοπείο)
Denomination: Euro Coins Set
DIAMETER: Various
WEIGHT: Various
Metal Composition: Various
EDGE: Plain
COIN QUALITY: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
Packaging: Blister set
MAXIMUM Mintage: 5000 sets
Mintmark: Palmette symbol of the Greek Mint.
Edge: Plain
Numismatic Programme: 2026
Coin Set availability from: 13/05/2026
2) Some ancient coins depicting Greek mythology & history
13) Ancient Greek Theatres, Greece: Hellenic Post has brought out a set of five stamps featuring the Ancient Theatres of Dodona, Nocopolis, Kassope, Amvrakia and Gitana (all in Epirus): Stamp issue date: 08.04.2020
14) "MYRTIS", Greece: A 5 Euro Silver Coin dedicated to an 11 year old girl who was a victim of the Plague of Athens (430-426 BC) issued by the Bank of Greece: Coin issue date: 25.02.2020
Links to some more posts on the Chinese Lunar calendar/Zodiac signs on this Blog:
Other interesting posts on Greek Coinage and Commemorative Coins:
2) Some ancient coins depicting Greek mythology & history
13) Ancient Greek Theatres, Greece: Hellenic Post has brought out a set of five stamps featuring the Ancient Theatres of Dodona, Nocopolis, Kassope, Amvrakia and Gitana (all in Epirus): Stamp issue date: 08.04.2020
14) "MYRTIS", Greece: A 5 Euro Silver Coin dedicated to an 11 year old girl who was a victim of the Plague of Athens (430-426 BC) issued by the Bank of Greece: Coin issue date: 25.02.2020
Links to some more posts on the Chinese Lunar calendar/Zodiac signs on this Blog:
Rajan Trikha has commented:
ReplyDelete"Very interesting and informative post 👍"
Thank you so much, Trikha sahab.
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